Apple introduced its Action Button back in 2023, replacing the popular mute switch on iPhones. After a good few years’ run, Apple will reportedly ditch the Action Button on iPhone 20. Well, at least according to tipster Instant Digital. This is a major hardware move, considering it pans out.
New leak suggests Apple may ditch Action Button on iPhone 20
In a post on Weibo, tipster Instant Digital says (translated) that “Apple’s Action Button will officially be phased out starting with new iPhone models in the second half of next year.” Considering Apple sticks to its split launch strategy, that means the 20th anniversary iPhone will be the first to drop the Action Button. The leaker says it’ll integrate with the camera button.
As per him, one tap will launch the camera, and a long press will trigger actions/functions. Presumably, the camera button could mean the iPhone’s Camera Control. For what it’s worth, this already launches the camera with one tap, but a long press triggers Visual Intelligence.
Take this with a pinch of salt
If the leak pans out, the Action Button would be the first iPhone button to be removed since it replaced the mute switch. Apple likely knows how often or how little people used the Action Button. Whatever the numbers show, its usage apparently wasn’t high enough for Apple to prioritize making room for it on the iPhone Duo.
For what it’s worth, the Action Button and its settings have barely changed since launch. Its design is also rather unusual. A single press does nothing except show a message asking users to press and hold it. Users can already replicate almost all of the Action Button’s functions using a Lock Screen icon and the Shortcuts app.
Since this is just a leak, it’s better to take it with a pinch of salt and wait for more details to surface.
